The Dux opened the outdoor season with a strong performance against Byron Center. Both the men’s and women’s teams earned victories in not only the first outdoor meet of the season, but also the first in the OK Green conference.

In the first meet of the season there is always a small element of the "unknowns." Unknowns for how both new and returning athletes will perform, unknowns of what the competition might be, and given the nature of Michigan Spring weather, unknowns for race conditions. The consistent 25 mile gust definitely made things interesting for several of the field events as well as the first turn on the track, which was described like running into a wall.

Despite the adverse conditions, the Dux demonstrated mental and physical strength. One of the biggest strengths for the guy’s team is their depth. In nearly all events, they have the capability to sweep the top 3 spots. This is exactly what they did in the 200m, 400m, 1600m, 3200m, 100m hurdles, 300m hurdles, discus, and long jump. In addition, the Dux were first in 16 of the 17 events. The only shortcoming was a missed handoff in the 4x200m relay.

Highlighting a few strong individual performances include Sophomore Ben Brooks, who finished first in 4 events; the 100m (11.80 sec), 200m (23.27 sec), long jump (19 ft 3.25 inches, and part of the winning 4x100 relay (44.70 sec). In the distance events, junior Ethan Senti looked to be unaffected by the wind by running a 4:45 in his 1600m run and 10:16 in the 3200m run. Senior Dylan Munter had an all around strong performance by winning both his hurdle events, 110m hurdles (16.31 sec) and 300m hurdles (42.53 sec).

On the ladies side, the Dux build on their strength in the sprint events. Winning the 100m, 200m, and 400m open races. In addition, the Dux swept all four relay events. Perhaps the most exciting race took place in the 4x800 in which anchor-leg Emma Dykens (sophomore) made up at 110 meter deficit to edge out a competitive Byron Center distance team. Other highlights includes junior Kayla Walker winning both throw events; 29 ft 10.25 inches in Shot Put, and 77 ft 8 inches in the Discus.

Final team score for the men was 123 (ZW) to 9 (BC). For the women 80 (ZW) to 48 (BC).

Both teams look to build on this meet and continue to make progress as they compete this Saturday in the Rockford Invitational.They are back to competing in the OK Green conference next with Home meets against Holland on Tuesday and Hamilton on Thursday.